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Ted Wyman, QMI Agency

SOCHI, RUSSIA - Veteran Canadian curlers who have been to events worldwide had never heard anything like it before.

The crowd at the Ice Cube Curling Center was absolutely electric Monday, cheering loudly and often — though not at the times curlers have come to expect.

With the Russian women’s team on the ice, the crowd cheered for nearly every shot — and opposition miss — while creating a much more raucous atmosphere than curlers are used to.

“That was so fun,” said Canadian skip Jennifer Jones, whose team was on the ice against China. “You can’t ask for anything better. The crowd was loud and exciting and energetic. It’s different from what we’re used to but it was amazing to be a part of it.”

The Canadian women didn’t seem too affected by the noise as they hammered China 9-2 in seven ends.

Lead Dawn McEwen said the Canadians used hand signals to communicate.

“I think the crowd is great,” McEwen said. “We’ve never played in front of a crowd this loud before but we kind of prepped for it. They cheer way more often than normal but I thought it was a really cool atmosphere out there.”

McEwen’s husband Mike, a spectator for the opening game, said the crowd helped him.

“The environment in here is very entertaining and it kind of distracts you from agonizing over the game,” he said. “They have no idea when to cheer, but they’re into it. They’re stomping their feet and screaming. It’s awesome.”

The Canadian men, skipped by Brad Jacobs of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., got off to a good start as well, beating Germany 11-8 in the morning draw, but fell 5-4 to Switzerland in the evening to sit at 1-1.